(VOVworld)- The 13th ASEAN Chiefs of Defense Forces Informal Meeting closed in Vientiane, Laos, on Monday.
13th ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Informal Meeting (ACDFIM – 13) closes in Vientiane |
ASEAN defense chiefs stressed the need to build a peaceful environment in the East Sea to promote stability, economic growth and prosperity in the region. The defence chiefs called on all parties to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and quickly adopt a Code of Conduct in the East Sea. Speaking at the function, General Do Ba Ty, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Defense Minister, said ASEAN is facing a number of challenges including terrorism, racial conflict, natural disasters, and violation of international law - including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Ty suggested increasing activities to build trust between law enforcement forces at sea and abiding by international law, especially the Convention and the Declaration.
At the end of the conference, delegation heads signed the joint statement of the Informal Meeting, which mentions regional security issues, including the necessity of implementing fully and effectively the Declaration and the early completion of the Code of Conduct to maintain peace in the East Sea.